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It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Dutch Bros (BROS - Free Report) Dutch Bros Inc. operates and franchises drive-thru beverage shops focused on hand-crafted drinks served with speed and service. The company was founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma in Grants Pass, OR. Dutch Bros is incorporated in Delaware and its principal executive offices are in Tempe, AZ. It operates roasting, packing, warehouse and administrative facilities centered in Grants Pass, OR, and a roasting and packing facility in Melissa, TX.

BROS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. BROS has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 22.4% for the current fiscal year.

Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $0.93 per share. BROS boasts an average earnings surprise of +31.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, BROS should be on investors' short list.

Here at Zacks, we offer our members many different opportunities to take full advantage of the stock market, as well as how to invest in ways that lead to long-term success.

The Zacks Premium service, which provides daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank; full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List; Equity Research reports; and Premium stock screens like the Earnings ESP filter, makes these more manageable goals. All of the features can help you identify what stocks to buy, what to sell, and what are today's hottest industries.

Also included in Zacks Premium is the Focus List. This is a long-term portfolio of top stocks that have all the traits to beat the market.

Breaking Down the Zacks Focus ListBuilding an investment portfolio from scratch can be difficult, so if you could, wouldn't you take a peek at a curated list of top stocks?

That's what the Zacks Focus List offers. It's a portfolio of 50 stocks that serve as a starting point for long-term investors to build their individual portfolios. The stocks included in the list are set to outperform the market over the next 12 months.

What makes the Focus List even more helpful is that each selection is accompanied by a full Zacks Analyst Report, which explains the reasoning behind every stock's selection and why we believe it's a good pick for the long-term.

The portfolio's past performance only solidifies why investors should consider it as a starting point. For 2020, the Focus List gained 13.85% on an annualized basis compared to the S&P 500's return of 9.38%. Cumulatively, the portfolio has returned 2,519.23% while the S&P returned 854.95%. Returns are for the period of February 1, 1996 to March 31, 2021.

Focus List MethodologyWhen stocks are picked for the Focus List, it reflects our enduring reliance on the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Earnings estimates are expectations of growth and profitability, and are determined by brokerage analysts. Together with company management, these analysts examine every aspect that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.

Investors also need to look at what a company will earn down the road. This is why earnings estimate revisions are so important.

Stocks that receive upward earnings estimate revisions are more likely to receive even more upward changes in the future. For example, if an analyst raised their estimates last month, they're more likely to do it again this month, and other analysts are likely to do the same.

Harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions is where the Zacks Rank comes in. The Zacks Rank, which is a unique, proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions to make it easier to build a winning portfolio.

The Zacks Rank consists of four main pillars: Agreement, Magnitude, Upside, and Surprise. Each one is given a raw score, which is recalculated every night and compiled into the Rank. Then, stocks are classified into five groups, ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Strong Sell," using this data.

The Focus List is comprised of stocks hand-picked from a long list of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) ranked companies, meaning that each new addition boasts a bullish earnings consensus among analysts.

Since stock prices respond to revisions, it can be very profitable to buy stocks with rising earnings estimates. By buying Focus List stocks, then, you're likely getting into companies whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.

Focus List Spotlight: CBRE Group (CBRE - Free Report) CBRE Group, Inc. is a commercial real estate services and investment firm headquartered in Dallas, TX. It provides leasing, property sales, commercial mortgage origination, loan servicing, valuations and other advisory services to tenants, owners, lenders and investors across major global markets. The company also provides facilities management, property management and workplace experience services through its Building Operations platform and delivers program management, project management and cost consultancy through Turner & Townsend. CBRE also operates an investment management business and a real estate development business under its Real Estate Investments segment.

CBRE, a #2 (Buy) stock, was added to the Focus List on March 13, 2017 at $36.4 per share. Since then, shares have increased 269.73% to $134.58.

For fiscal 2026, one analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.04 to $7.65. CBRE boasts an average earnings surprise of 17%.

Earnings for CBRE are forecasted to see growth of 19.9% for the current fiscal year as well.

Reveal Winning StocksUnlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. You'll quickly identify which stocks to buy, hold and sell, and target today's hottest industries, to help improve the performance of your portfolio. Gain full access now >>

NEW YORK, June 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK).

Shareholders who purchased shares of GPK during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.

CONTACT US HERE:

https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/graphic-packaging-holding-company-loss-submission-form/?id=190196&from=3 

CLASS PERIOD: February 4, 2025 to February 2, 2026

ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Graphic Packaging was experiencing, inter alia, significant inventory management issues, as well as significantly reduced demand and volumes and increased costs; (ii) defendants downplayed the true scope and severity of the foregoing issues, which were likely to, and did, have a material negative impact on the Company’s business and financial results; (iii) defendants likewise overstated the strength and sustainability of the Company’s business model and operations, as well as its ability to weather ongoing macroeconomic headwinds; (iv) accordingly, the Company’s previously issued FY 2025 financial guidance was unreliable and/or unrealistic; and (v) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

DEADLINE: July 6, 2026 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/graphic-packaging-holding-company-loss-submission-form/?id=190196&from=3 

NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of GPK during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is July 6, 2026. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.

WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (646) 453-8903

WGO's cheap valuation and 4.5% dividend yield make the contrarian case, but weak earnings, softer demand and lower guidance keep value-trap risk alive.

Image: Bigstock

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Key Takeaways KR, WOR, DAL, NECB and WKC recently announced higher dividends for shareholders.Persistent inflation and market uncertainty are boosting focus on dividend-paying stocks.Each featured stock has raised dividends multiple times in the past five years with modest payout ratios. The financial markets remain volatile as mixed U.S. economic data give investors more reasons to stay cautious. Inflation remains sticky, with May Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, rising 4.1% year over year, the highest level since April 2023. Core PCE reached 3.4%. To counter growing inflation risk, the Fed has kept interest rates unchanged in the range of 3.50-3.75%, signaling that some policymakers still expect another rate hike this year, reinforcing concerns that borrowing costs could stay higher for longer.

The cracks are becoming harder to ignore. Housing starts fell to a six-month low of 1.177 million, far below expectations, while durable goods orders dropped 4.5% in May. Manufacturing data also showed uneven momentum, with New York factory activity slowing sharply despite remaining in expansion territory. Although first-quarter GDP was revised up to 2.1% and consumer spending continued, persistent inflation suggests the economy faces growing pressure, making investors wary about the outlook for growth and corporate earnings.

Amid such market conditions, cautious investors who wish to diversify their portfolios and pick dividend-paying stocks can keep a tab on some prominent names like The Kroger Co. (KR - Free Report) , Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (WOR - Free Report) , Delta Air Lines (DAL - Free Report) , Northeast Community Bancorp (NECB - Free Report) and World Kinect Corporation (WKC - Free Report) . Companies that pay out dividends consistently indicate a healthy business model. Stocks that have raised dividends recently exhibit a sound financial structure and can counter market upheavals. Moreover, stocks that tend to reward investors with a high dividend payout outperform non-dividend-paying entities in a highly volatile market.

The KrogerThe Kroger is one of the largest food and grocery retailers in the United States, operating an extensive omnichannel network of supermarkets, pharmacies, fuel centers and digital commerce platforms. This Cincinnati, OH-based company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

On June 25, KR declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of 39 cents a share on Sept. 1, 2026. KR has a dividend yield of 2.4%.

Over the past five years, KR has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio presently sits at 28% of earnings. Check The Kroger’s dividend history here.

Worthington EnterprisesWorthington Enterprises is headquartered in Columbus, OH. This Zacks Rank #3 company is a designer and manufacturer of brands, operating in segments like Building Products, Consumer Products and Sustainable Energy Solutions.

On June 23, WOR declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of 20 cents a share on Sept. 29, 2026. WOR has a dividend yield of 1.3%.

In the past five years, WOR has increased its dividend six times. Its payout ratio is currently 22% of earnings. Check Worthington Enterprises’ dividend history here.

Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. This Atlanta, GA-based company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

On June 18, DAL announced that its shareholders would receive a dividend of 22 cents a share on July 30, 2026. DAL has a dividend yield of 0.8%.

Over the past five years, DAL has increased its dividend four times. Its payout ratio now sits at 13% of earnings. Check Delta Air Lines' dividend history here.

Northeast Community BancorpNortheast Community Bancorp operates as a community-oriented financial institution offering traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area and its lending territory. This Zacks Rank #3 company operates from White Plains, NY.

On June 18, NECB declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of 25 cents a share on Aug. 6, 2026. NECB has a dividend yield of 3%.

Over the past five years, NECB has increased its dividend six times, and its payout ratio presently sits at 25% of earnings. Check Northeast Community Bancorp's dividend history here.

World Kinect CorporationWorld Kinect Corporation is headquartered in Miami, FL. This Zacks Rank #3 energy management company offers a broad suite of energy advisory, management and fulfillment services, digital and other technology solutions, as well as sustainability products and services across the energy product spectrum.

On June 18, WKC declared that its shareholders would receive a dividend of 23 cents a share on June 16, 2026. WKC has a dividend yield of 2.5%.

In the past five years, WKC has increased its dividend four times. Its payout ratio is currently 37% of earnings. Check World Kinect Corporation’s dividend history here.

Published in construction finance oil-energy retail transportation

Key Takeaways The Standard Commercial Lines segment generated 71% of total revenues and 79% of net premiums written in 2025.Expansion into new states, including Kansas in 2025, supports premium growth and broader market presence.Higher new business, pricing, renewal exposure and retention continue to drive growth in the segment. Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (SIGI - Free Report) has a strong presence in the standard commercial lines market, focusing primarily on small and middle-market businesses. SIGI sells the Standard Commercial Lines property and casualty insurance products and services to commercial enterprises, typically businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies, primarily in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

Selective Insurance continues to expand its Standard Commercial Lines footprint with the goal of a near national presence, while maintaining an agent-driven distribution model. Since 2017, SIGI has added 14 states to the Standard Commercial Lines footprint, including Kansas in 2025. In the first quarter of 2026, these expansion states produced $125 million in premiums, representing approximately 9% of total direct premiums written and 1% marginal total premium growth. SIGI expects to write new business in Montana and Wyoming by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Standard Commercial Lines is the core revenue driver for Selective Insurance Group, making it the company's primary earnings engine. It generates the majority of the company's premium revenue, supplies the investment float that supports investment income, and serves as the foundation of the long-term growth strategy. This segment accounted for 71% of total revenues and 79% of total net premiums written in 2025. Higher new business, renewal pure price increases, exposure growth on renewal policies, and higher retention should continue to drive premiums in the segment.

Selective Insurance's standard commercial lines strategy centers on profitable underwriting rather than market-share expansion. By concentrating on well-understood industries, maintaining strong independent agency partnerships and exercising disciplined pricing, SIGI has consistently generated underwriting results that compare favorably with many peers across the commercial property and casualty insurance industry.

What About Its Peers?Axis Capital Holdings Limited (AXS - Free Report) , a global specialty underwriter, has a strategic focus on specialty products, including professional liability, cyber insurance, marine and aviation. AXS has been witnessing an increase in its top line over a considerable period of time on the back of higher net premiums. Its well-performing Insurance segment largely contributes to improving premiums. It continues to boost shareholder value through stock buybacks and dividend hikes.

Palomar Holdings, Inc. (PLMR - Free Report) has been displaying a good track record of net written premiums due to increased volume of policies written across the lines of business, driven by new business generated with existing partners, strong premium retention rates for existing business, expansion of its products’ geographic and distribution footprint, and new partnerships. Backed by a sustained operational performance, the company has maintained a solid capital position.

SIGI’s Price PerformanceShares of SIGI have gained 9.9% in the past year, outperforming the industry.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

SIGI’s Expensive ValuationThe stock is overvalued compared with its industry. It is currently trading at a price-to-book ratio of 1.67, above the industry average of 1.42. It carries a Value Score of A.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Estimate Movement for SIGIThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for SIGI’s second-quarter 2026 EPS has moved up 2.4% in the past 60 days. The same for full-year 2026 and 2027 EPS has moved up 1.9% and 0.4%, respectively, in the past 30 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

HomeStock IdeasLong IdeasHealthcare 

SummaryCognition Therapeutics is currently prioritizing zervimesine for DLB psychosis. This is after the FDA’s feedback gave their planned pivotal program a clearer path.Basically, DLB psychosis has no approved therapy, and zervimesine is a promising oral once-daily drug that already has interesting Phase 2 data.CGTX’s SHIMMER trial was a good start, but their next trial must confirm longer-lasting hallucination and delusion benefits.I do believe their narrowed focus helps to some extent. Still, CGTX’s runway only lasts into Q2 2027, while the pivotal start is expected around mid-2027.So, despite its potential dilution risks, I feel CGTX’s zervimesine potential for DLB warrants a speculative “Buy” at an EV of just $71.9 million. Richard Drury/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. (CGTX) is a biopharmaceutical company developing a small-molecule drug called zervimesine. This asset is targeted for age-related neurodegenerative disorders, principally dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Based on the results of the Phase

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) reported mixed financial results for the fourth quarter on Thursday.

The company reported quarterly adjusted earnings of $3.66 per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.63 per share. The company posted quarterly sales of $3.719 billion, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $3.728 billion, according to Benzinga Pro.

"The fourth quarter was a strong finish to an excellent year, one in which we significantly outperformed the industry," said Darden President and CEO Rick Cardenas.

Darden issued its full-year financial outlook for fiscal 2027. The company expects total sales of $13.60 billion to $13.75 billion, while analysts estimate $13.718 billion.

Darden shares closed at $212.76 on Thursday.

These analysts made changes to their price targets on Darden following earnings announcement.

BTIG analyst Peter Saleh maintained Darden with a Buy and raised the price target from $225 to $235. Stephens & Co. analyst Jim Salera maintained the stock with an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $210 to $216. Baird analyst David Tarantino maintained the stock with a Neutral and raised the price target from $210 to $220. Considering buying DRI stock? Here’s what analysts think:

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© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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As the world pivots toward massive electrification and the energy-hungry demands of artificial intelligence, choosing between Eaton (ETN 3.94%) and Vertiv (VRT 6.21%) requires a look at two different infrastructure giants.

Both companies provide essential equipment for the electrical grid and modern data centers, yet they occupy different niches in the value chain. Eaton focuses on a broad range of power management across industrial and aerospace sectors, while Vertiv specializes in cooling and power systems specifically for digital infrastructure. This contrast makes them a popular comparison for investors looking to play the long-term electrification trend.

The case for EatonEaton is a major player among industrial stocks that focus on intelligent power management. Following its 2026 divestiture of its Mobility Group to Dana, it focuses on electrical infrastructure, data centers, and aerospace. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk, as 22% of Electrical segment sales in 2025 came from just six large customers. Additionally, the Aerospace segment derived 20% of its sales from three aircraft original equipment manufacturers.

In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $27.4 billion, reflecting growth of roughly 10.3% compared to the previous year. Net income for the same period was approximately $4.1 billion, representing a net margin of 14.9%. This performance followed a positive upward trend from a net income of roughly $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2023. The company strategy involves leveraging its massive scale to provide end-to-end solutions for utilities and data center operators.

As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 1.1x, a metric comparing total debt to shareholder equity. The current ratio is roughly 1.3x, which compares short-term assets to short-term liabilities to measure liquidity. Free cash flow (cash from operations minus capital spending) was close to $3.6 billion for the year. This cash generation supports consistent research and development in power management technologies.

The case for VertivVertiv is a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, providing power and cooling technologies to the tech sector. It serves major technology firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet to support their massive cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Because it relies on these capital expenditure cycles, its performance is tied to the spending of large-scale technology firms. As data centers transition to high-density racks, the focus on liquid-cooling and power management becomes increasingly vital.

For FY 2025, revenue was nearly $10.2 billion, reflecting a significant growth of approximately 27.7% over the prior year. Net income for the period was close to $1.3 billion, yielding a net margin of 13.0%. This was a sharp increase from the $495.8 million in net income reported in fiscal year 2024. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure has been a primary driver of this top-line and bottom-line growth.

Based on its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 0.9x. The current ratio is approximately 1.5x, indicating the company has $1.50 in short-term assets for every $1.00 in short-term obligations. Free cash flow (cash from operations after subtracting capital expenditures) was nearly $1.9 billion for FY 2025. This liquidity provides the company with capital to pursue its active acquisition strategy and expand its technological capabilities.

Risk profile comparisonEaton faces risks from supply chain and raw material volatility, particularly for commodities like steel and copper. It also deals with cybersecurity and data privacy threats as it integrates connected technologies into its products. Additionally, trade restrictions or tariffs could increase manufacturing costs for its global operations. Failure to keep pace with rapid advancements in AI and data center infrastructure could also erode its market position over time.

Vertiv is highly dependent on continued data center and artificial intelligence spending. A downturn in demand from major clients or shifts in investment priorities could materially reduce its sales. The company also faces challenges integrating its recent acquisitions and managing supply chain pressures for its liquid-cooling products. Furthermore, it faces intense competition from large-scale global competitors like Schneider Electric and its industry peer, Eaton.

Valuation comparisonEaton appears to be the more conservatively valued option based on its lower Forward P/E and P/S ratio compared to its high-growth peer.

MetricEatonVertivSector BenchmarkForward P/E30.4x49.1x31.3xP/S ratio5.7x12.0xSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLI sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

This is a tough call. Both companies are riding the same powerful tailwind of insatiable demand for power and infrastructure driven by AI data centers and electrification. And both are executing at a high level right now.

But I'd go with Eaton. Vertiv is an extraordinary growth story. Orders are surging, its backlog has more than doubled, and the company sits at the center of the AI data center build-out as a provider of power and cooling infrastructure. The momentum is hard to argue with.

Eaton, though, offers something Vertiv doesn't: breadth. Its electrical business is booming alongside data center demand, but it also benefits from aerospace, grid modernization, and industrial electrification. That diversification makes it a more comfortable long-term hold. Eaton just raised its organic growth guidance and reported record results, and it has paid dividends every year since 1923.

Sometimes the steadier, broader bet is also the smarter one.

AutoZone (AZO - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.

Over the past month, shares of this auto parts retailer have returned +1.7%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.4% change. During this period, the Zacks Automotive - Retail and Wholesale - Parts industry, which AutoZone falls in, has lost 3.7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

AutoZone is expected to post earnings of $55.34 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +13.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0%.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $150.51 points to a change of +3.9% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +0.7%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $175.75 indicates a change of +16.8% from what AutoZone is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for AutoZone.

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.

In the case of AutoZone, the consensus sales estimate of $6.71 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +7.5%. The $20.48 billion and $22.02 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +8.1% and +7.5%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAutoZone reported revenues of $4.84 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +8.4%. EPS of $38.07 for the same period compares with $35.36 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.86 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -0.45%. The EPS surprise was +5.22%.

Over the last four quarters, AutoZone surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.

ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.

Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

AutoZone is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about AutoZone. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors use a variety of methods, including tried-and-true valuation metrics, to find these stocks.

In addition to the Zacks Rank, investors looking for stocks with specific traits can utilize our Style Scores system. Of course, value investors will be most interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks are among the best value stocks available at any given moment.

One company value investors might notice is Strategic Education (STRA - Free Report) . STRA is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), as well as an A grade for Value.

Another valuation metric that we should highlight is STRA's P/B ratio of 1.18. The P/B is a method of comparing a stock's market value to its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. This stock's P/B looks attractive against its industry's average P/B of 3.30. Within the past 52 weeks, STRA's P/B has been as high as 1.53 and as low as 1.06, with a median of 1.26.

Finally, investors will want to recognize that STRA has a P/CF ratio of 12.00. This metric takes into account a company's operating cash flow and can be used to find stocks that are undervalued based on their solid cash outlook. This company's current P/CF looks solid when compared to its industry's average P/CF of 18.81. STRA's P/CF has been as high as 15.87 and as low as 10.81, with a median of 12.87, all within the past year.

These are just a handful of the figures considered in Strategic Education's great Value grade. Still, they help show that the stock is likely being undervalued at the moment. Add this to the strength of its earnings outlook, and we can clearly see that STRA is an impressive value stock right now.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) today announced new data presented at New York Valves 2026, the annual conference organized by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, which reinforce the company's leadership in advancing high-quality scientific evidence and innovating for patients. These new data – spanning aortic, mitral and tricuspid therapies – provide further understanding of the complexity of structural heart disease and the need for innovative treatment options.

Ahead of the planned full clinical presentation at TCT later this year, the baseline characteristics of the PROGRESS trial presented today provide new insights into the heterogeneous nature of moderate aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Research has shown that approximately half of moderate AS patients present with at least one at-risk feature, which includes symptoms, progressive cardiac damage, declining health and elevated risk of hospitalization. The PROGRESS trial is designed to evaluate whether patients with moderate AS and at least one risk factor may benefit from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) earlier than current guidelines, which recommend clinical surveillance with echocardiographic follow-up every 1-2 years. Details of the PROGRESS trial design were recently published in the American Heart Journal and baseline characteristics of the PROGRESS trial are listed below:

More than 95% were symptomatic More than 70% had 2 or more at-risk features More than 90% had a normal left ventricular function Mean age was 78 ± 6 years Mean KCCQ score was 64 ± 24 Broad surgical risk distribution (46% low risk) Additional late-breaking clinical science presentations strengthen the evidence base for the SAPIEN 3 platform, including seven-year benchmark durability data from the PARTNER 3 trial, simultaneously published in JAMA Cardiology. Also presented were new findings from the EARLY TAVR trial, reinforcing the shift toward proactive disease management and providing continued long-term reassurance for physicians and patients. These data on Edwards’ SAPIEN platform underscore the benchmark valve performance and differentiated long-term durability of the therapy.

“Edwards remains focused on addressing the significant unmet needs of the many structural heart patients who remain untreated today,” said Bernard Zovighian, Edwards’ CEO. “Our expanding evidence base reflects Edwards’ clear and sustained commitment to advancing care through partnership with the physician community. From building a deeper understanding of the moderate AS population and advancing evidence about asymptomatic patients to demonstrating distinguished SAPIEN platform durability and strategies for lifetime disease management, we are strengthening confidence in long-term outcomes and increasing access for patients worldwide.”

Also at the meeting, new data highlighted clinical trial and real-world outcomes across Edwards’ mitral and tricuspid portfolio. Data from more than 4,500 patients treated with the PASCAL system in the STS/ACC Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry helps highlight the sustained safety and effectiveness of the technology for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). One-year data from the ENCIRCLE trial Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC) Registry support the safety, effectiveness and quality of life improvements with SAPIEN M3, the first and only transcatheter transseptal mitral valve replacement system, in patients with symptomatic valve dysfunction associated with MAC who are deemed unsuitable for surgery or TEER therapy by a heart team.

Zovighian added, “Together, our differentiated technology and world-class evidence reflect Edwards’ leadership in elevating the standard of care for structural heart patients and improving outcomes across the care continuum.”

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. Through breakthrough technologies, world-class evidence and partnerships with clinicians and healthcare stakeholders, our employees are inspired by our patient-focused culture to deliver life-changing innovations to those who need them most. Discover more at www.edwards.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements made by Mr. Zovighian and statements regarding the benchmark performance and differentiated long-term durability of Edwards’ SAPIEN platform, elevating the standard of care, our leadership in advancing our growing body of high-quality scientific and clinical evidence, long-term reassurance for physicians and patients, our commitment to advance care through partnerships with the physician community, strengthen confidence in long-term outcomes and expanding access for patients, innovating for patients with structural heart disease, the safety and effectiveness and quality of life improvements of our products, and improving outcomes across the care continuum, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements based on a number of factors as detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings, along with important safety information about our products, may be found at Edwards.com.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, EARLY TAVR, ENCIRCLE, PARTNER, PARTNER 3, PASCAL, PROGRESS, SAPIEN, SAPIEN 3 and SAPIEN M3 are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Cirrus Logic (CRUS - Free Report) Headquarterd in Austin, TX, Cirrus Logic is a fabless semiconductor supplier, which develops low-power, high-precision mixed-signal processing solutions.

CRUS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. CRUS has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 2.6% for the current fiscal year.

Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.05 to $9.50 per share. CRUS boasts an average earnings surprise of +23.1%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, CRUS should be on investors' short list.

NEW YORK, June 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI).

Shareholders who purchased shares of BMI during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.

CONTACT US HERE:

https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/badger-meter-loss-submission-form/?id=190203&from=3 

CLASS PERIOD: April 18, 2024 to April 16, 2026

ALLEGATIONS: According to the filed complaint, defendants made false statements concerning the drivers of Badger Meter’s “record” financial results, demand for the Company’s products, and its prospects for continued growth. During the class period, defendants told investors that Badger Meter’s strong financial results reflected “ongoing favorable industry trends,” “secular growth drivers,” and “solid operating execution.” They likewise touted “strong” demand and said they were seeing “robust order pacing and a strong bid pipeline that positions us well for continued sales and earnings growth,” and that Badger Meter possessed a “long runway” for growth.

DEADLINE: August 3, 2026 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/badger-meter-loss-submission-form/?id=190203&from=3 

NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of BMI during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is August 3, 2026. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.

WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (646) 453-8903

ON Semiconductor (ON) is drawing fresh investor scrutiny after Citi said its planned $7 billion acquisition of Synaptics (SYNA) could support its AI strategy, b

Onsemi (NASDAQ:ON) shares fell about 19% on Thursday after the semiconductor company announced an agreement to acquire Synaptics (NASDAQ: SYNA) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $7 billion.

Shares of Synaptics added about 3% to about $130 on the news.

Under the terms of the deal, Synaptics shareholders will receive 1.35 shares of Onsemi (NASDAQ:ON) common stock for each Synaptics share they own, representing an approximately 19% premium to the companies' respective 10-day volume-weighted average closing prices.

Synaptics shareholders are expected to own about 12% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis following the transaction.

Onsemi said the acquisition would expand its focus beyond power and sensing technologies into intelligent systems and edge artificial intelligence applications. The company expects the combination to increase its total addressable market by $30 billion to $243 billion by 2030 and strengthen its position in what it describes as "Physical AI" applications, including autonomous vehicles, robotics and augmented and virtual reality.

Synaptics brings its Astra Edge AI platform, wireless connectivity technologies and human-machine interface products to the combined business. Onsemi expects the transaction to generate about $200 million in annual synergies and become accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share within 18 months of closing.

The companies expect the deal to close in mid-2027, subject to regulatory approvals, Synaptics shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions.

Both companies reiterated their previously issued financial outlooks for their current quarters.

Synaptics Incorporated (SYNA) M&A Call June 25, 2026 5:00 PM EDT

Company Participants

Parag Agarwal - Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Development
Hassane El-Khoury - President, CEO & Director
Rahul Patel - President, CEO & Director
Thad Trent - Executive VP, CFO, Treasurer & Principal Accounting Officer

Conference Call Participants

Ross Seymore - Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division
Vivek Arya - BofA Securities, Research Division
Quinn Bolton - Needham & Company, LLC, Research Division
Joseph Quatrochi - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division
Joshua Buchalter - TD Cowen, Research Division
Christopher Rolland - Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP, Research Division
Tore Svanberg - Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Research Division
James Schneider - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Harlan Sur - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Vijay Rakesh - Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division

Presentation

Operator

Thank you for standing by. Welcome to the call to discuss onsemi's acquisition of Synaptics. [Operator Instructions]

Now it's my pleasure to hand the conference over to the Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Parag Agarwal. Please proceed.

Parag Agarwal
Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Development

Thank you, Carmen. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today to discuss onsemi's acquisition of Synaptics. I'm joined today by Hassane El-Khoury, President and CEO of onsemi; Thad Trent, CFO of onsemi; and Rahul Patel, President and CEO of Synaptics.

This call is being webcast on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.onsemi.com. A replay of this webcast, along with the accompanying slides referenced in the call, will be available on our website approximately 1 hour following this conference call, and a recorded webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following this conference call. Additional information is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website.

During the course of this conference call, we'll make projections

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Sensata (ST - Free Report) Headquartered in Attleboro, MA, Sensata Technologies is a global industrial technology company that develops, manufactures and sells sensors and sensor-rich solutions as well as electrical protection components and systems.

ST is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 13.2; value investors should take notice.

Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.07 to $3.73 per share. ST also boasts an average earnings surprise of +3.3%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, ST should be on investors' short list.

Sila Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: SILA) (“Sila” or “the Company”) today announced that, at a Special Meeting of Stockholders held earlier today, Sila stock

© Ja Crispy / Shutterstock.com

SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI | SOFI Price Prediction) has been one of the most punished fintech names of 2026, but our model says the selling has gone too far. Our 24/7 Wall St. price target points to double-digit recovery over the next 12 months, supported by 30% growth, accelerating product innovation, and a CEO who keeps buying stock in the open market.

Our 24/7 Wall St. price target for SoFi is $19.60, implying upside of 13.31% from the current $17.30 quote. We rate shares a buy with high confidence (90%).

Metric Value Current Price $17.30 24/7 Wall St. Price Target $19.60 Upside 13.31% Recommendation BUY Confidence Level 90% A Rough 2026, But the Story Is Changing SoFi has shed 33.92% year to date and sits 36% below its 52-week high of $32.73. Yet the past month tells a different story: shares are up 8.26% as investors digest catalysts.

Q1 2026 results, filed April 29, 2026, delivered revenue of $1.10 billion (topping estimates by 5%) and EPS of $0.12, in line with estimates. Net income jumped 134.45% YoY to $166.73 million, and loan originations hit a record $12.18 billion, up 68% YoY.

Since then, SoFi launched the SoFiUSD stablecoin with a Mastercard settlement partnership, acquired Composer Securities for AI-driven retail trading, and rolled out SoFi Coach.

Why Bulls See a Breakout Ahead The bull case rests on SoFi’s compounding ecosystem. Management is guiding to FY2026 adjusted revenue of $4.655 billion (~30% growth), adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 billion, and adjusted EPS of $0.60. Medium-term, leadership targets an adjusted EPS CAGR of 38% to 42% through 2028.

Anthony Noto purchased 13,888 shares on June 16 at roughly $18.06, framing the quarter as “We had an excellent Q1 delivering another quarter of durable growth and strong returns.”

Insiders have bought $2.35 million worth of stock over the past 12 months. Add stablecoin optionality, the Composer AI acquisition, and a Rule of 40 score of 72%, and our bull case scenario reaches $25.07, a 44.9% total return.

The Risks Worth Watching Technology Platform revenue fell 27% YoY on a large client departure, personal loan charge-offs ticked up sequentially to 3.03%, and net interest margin compressed by 63 bps in average asset yields. Short seller Muddy Waters has alleged aggressive accounting, and a class-action investigation is open. Morningstar trimmed its fair value to $17 from $19, and Zacks rates shares a #4 (Sell).

The Tech Platform weakness reflects one lumpy client loss from a single contract rolling off, and credit metrics remain well inside management’s 7% to 8% net cumulative loss assumption. Our bear case scenario sees just $17.34, essentially flat.

SoFi Price Prediction 2026-2030 The 24/7 Wall St. price target sits at $19.60, a buy rating with 90% confidence. The gap between fundamentals (30% growth, 10 straight GAAP-profitable quarters, record originations) and a stock cut by a third year to date makes this compelling.

The thesis hinges on tolerance for the 2.15 beta and exposure to fintech’s most diversified profitable platform. The setup weakens if Muddy Waters’ allegations gain traction or if charge-off rates accelerate beyond management’s loss tolerance band.

Year 24/7 Wall St. Price Target 2026 $19.60 2027 $21.50 2028 $23.40 2029 $24.90 2030 $26.37 These projections assume SoFi sustains 30% revenue CAGR and steady margin expansion. Significant upside could come from stablecoin adoption at scale or S&P 500 inclusion. Downside risk centers on credit deterioration or regulatory pressure on the digital asset strategy.

This page has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved or endorsed by the companies represented herein. Each of the company logos represented herein are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Dow Jones & Company; Nasdaq, Inc.; Forbes Media, LLC; Investor's Business Daily, Inc.; and Morningstar, Inc.

Copyright 2026 Zacks Investment Research 101 N Wacker Drive, Floor 15, Chicago, IL 60606

At the center of everything we do is a strong commitment to independent research and sharing its profitable discoveries with investors. This dedication to giving investors a trading advantage led to the creation of our proven Zacks Rank stock-rating system. Since 1988 it has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +24.00% per year. These returns cover a period from January 1, 1988 through May 4, 2026. Zacks Rank stock-rating system returns are computed monthly based on the beginning of the month and end of the month Zacks Rank stock prices plus any dividends received during that particular month. A simple, equally-weighted average return of all Zacks Rank stocks is calculated to determine the monthly return. The monthly returns are then compounded to arrive at the annual return. Only Zacks Rank stocks included in Zacks hypothetical portfolios at the beginning of each month are included in the return calculations. Zacks Ranks stocks can, and often do, change throughout the month. Certain Zacks Rank stocks for which no month-end price was available, pricing information was not collected, or for certain other reasons have been excluded from these return calculations. Zacks may license the Zacks Mutual Fund rating provided herein to third parties, including but not limited to the issuer.

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MKS (MKSI) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions might help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.

While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies.

Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are being undervalued by the market at large.

In addition to the Zacks Rank, investors looking for stocks with specific traits can utilize our Style Scores system. Of course, value investors will be most interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks are among the best value stocks available at any given moment.

KornFerry International (KFY - Free Report) is a stock many investors are watching right now. KFY is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), as well as a Value grade of A. The stock is trading with P/E ratio of 13.53 right now. For comparison, its industry sports an average P/E of 15.75. Over the past year, KFY's Forward P/E has been as high as 15.62 and as low as 11.30, with a median of 13.71.

Finally, investors will want to recognize that KFY has a P/CF ratio of 11.47. This figure highlights a company's operating cash flow and can be used to find firms that are undervalued when considering their impressive cash outlook. This stock's P/CF looks attractive against its industry's average P/CF of 19.43. Over the past 52 weeks, KFY's P/CF has been as high as 15.12 and as low as 9.53, with a median of 11.34.

These are just a handful of the figures considered in KornFerry International's great Value grade. Still, they help show that the stock is likely being undervalued at the moment. Add this to the strength of its earnings outlook, and we can clearly see that KFY is an impressive value stock right now.

Wall Street analysts expect FactSet Research (FDS - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $4.44 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year increase of 4%. Revenues are expected to be $617.19 million, up 5.4% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timeframe.

Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors usually depend on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to assess the business performance for the quarter, delving into analysts' forecasts for certain key metrics often provides a more comprehensive understanding.

In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain FactSet metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.

The consensus estimate for 'Revenues from clients- International (EMEA + Asia Pacific)' stands at 212.71 million. The estimate suggests a change of +3.8% year over year.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenues from clients- US' will reach 403.21 million. The estimate points to a change of +6% from the year-ago quarter.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Total Annual Subscription Value' will likely reach $2.44 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $2.34 billion.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Total Clients' reaching 9,255 . The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 8,811 .

The average prediction of analysts places 'Total Users' at 235,833 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 220,496 .

View all Key Company Metrics for FactSet here>>>

Over the past month, FactSet shares have recorded returns of -12.6% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.4% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), FDS will likely outperform the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

The Zacks Medical-Hospital industry is undergoing a structural transformation as patients and payers increasingly shift toward lower-cost care settings outside traditional hospitals. As a result, the fastest growth is coming from ambulatory surgery centers, home health and post-acute care providers. Meanwhile, hospitals continue to contend with elevated patient utilization, persistent labor and supply cost inflation, and reimbursement and regulatory uncertainty. To protect margins, providers are accelerating investments in AI, revenue cycle management and digital technologies, while streamlining operations and expanding outpatient care networks.
Strategic mergers and acquisitions also remain an important growth lever to expand scale, improve efficiency and strengthen market presence. Companies like Tenet Healthcare Corporation (THC - Free Report) , Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS - Free Report) , Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (ACHC - Free Report) and Community Health Systems, Inc. (CYH - Free Report) are streamlining operations, strengthening cost discipline and investing in higher-growth service lines.

Industry Overview The Zacks Medical-Hospital industry comprises for-profit hospital companies that provide healthcare through different types of hospitals, including acute care, outpatient, rehabilitation and psychiatric. These entities are engaged in internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and obstetrics, telehealth, mental health and diagnostic and emergency services. Revenues of these companies depend on inpatient occupancy, medical and ancillary services ordered by physicians and provided to patients, and the volume of ambulatory surgery centers’ (ASC) procedures. These companies receive payments for patient services from the government under the Medicare program, Medicaid, or similar programs, managed care plans (including plans offered through the American Health Benefit Exchanges), private insurers and directly from patients.

4 Key Trends Shaping the Hospital Industry Demand Grows as Care Moves Beyond Hospitals: Demand for healthcare continues to rise, supported by an aging U.S. population, increasing chronic disease prevalence and higher use of elective procedures. CMS projects national health spending to climb steadily and reach around $9 trillion by 2034, making up 20.6% of the economy. Meanwhile, care is shifting away from traditional inpatient hospitals toward ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health and virtual care. Lower-cost settings are becoming more attractive for patients and payers, prompting hospital systems to expand outpatient networks, strengthen physician partnerships and invest in home-based services to meet changing demand while improving asset utilization.

Margin Pressure Keeps Efficiency in Focus: Hospitals continue to face elevated labor, supply and pharmaceutical costs, even as contract staffing expenses ease from pandemic highs. Reimbursement growth has generally lagged cost inflation, keeping pressure on operating margins. Additionally, emerging cyber risks are pushing up insurance premiums and compliance costs, adding further pressure across the system. In response, providers are tightening cost controls, improving workforce productivity and automating administrative tasks. Many are also using data analytics to optimize staffing, purchasing and patient flow.

Technology Becomes a Competitive Advantage: Artificial intelligence is moving beyond pilot programs and becoming part of everyday hospital operations. It is increasingly improving revenue cycle management, prior authorization workflows and clinical documentation, helping providers accelerate collections and reduce administrative workload. Digital tools are also strengthening patient engagement through online scheduling, remote monitoring and virtual follow-up care. Telehealth remains an important part of care delivery, particularly for rural communities and patients with chronic conditions, allowing hospitals to extend services beyond their physical campuses while improving continuity of care.

Strategic Expansion Strengthens Market Position: Hospitals continue to pursue mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships to improve scale, expand specialty services and strengthen financial stability. While regulatory scrutiny has slowed some large hospital mergers, providers remain active in acquiring physician practices, outpatient facilities and complementary care businesses. These investments broaden referral networks, support the shift toward lower-cost care settings and create opportunities for greater operating efficiency. Larger health systems are also investing in digital infrastructure and outpatient capacity, positioning themselves to compete more effectively as healthcare delivery continues to evolve.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Positive Outlook The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all member stocks, signals promising near-term prospects. The Zacks Medical-Hospital industry, which is housed within the broader Zacks Medical sector, currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #107, which places it in the top 43% of nearly 250 Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.

Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are becoming optimistic about this group’s earnings growth potential. As a matter of fact, the industry’s earnings estimates for 2026 have gone up by 5.7% over the past year.

Considering the encouraging dynamics of the industry, we will present a few stocks that should be on your watchlist. But it’s worth taking a look at the industry’s shareholder returns and current valuation first.

Industry Lags Sector and S&P 500 The Zacks Medical-Hospital industry has fared worse than the broader Zacks Medical sector and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite over the past year, pressured by concerns over reimbursement, healthcare policy uncertainty and a shift in investor preference toward higher-growth technology and AI stocks.

The industry has declined 6.9% over the past year compared with a 6.9% gain for the broader sector and a 22.5% advance for the S&P 500.

One-Year Price PerformanceIndustry's Current Valuation Since hospital operators are capital-intensive businesses that require significant investment in facilities and equipment, it makes sense to value them based on the EV/EBITDA (Enterprise Value/ Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization) ratio. On the basis of the trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio, the industry trades at 6.60X compared with the S&P 500’s 18.23X and the sector’s 9.94X.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 10.66X and as low as 6.34X, with a median of 8.33X, as the charts below show.

EV/EBITDA Ratio (Past 5 Years)

4 Hospital Stocks to Watch Tenet Healthcare: Based in Dallas, TX, the company operates acute care hospitals and is one of the nation's largest ambulatory care platforms. It continues to expand its Ambulatory Care segment through strategic acquisitions to capitalize on growing demand for outpatient procedures. The company is also benefiting from solid same-facility revenue growth, higher adjusted admissions and sustained momentum across its key service lines.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tenet Healthcare’s 2026 bottom line is pegged at $17.61 per share, up 5% year over year. The same for 2027 indicates further growth to $17.63 per share. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 20.6%. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 revenues indicates 3.3% and 1.9% year-over-year growth, respectively. Shares of the company have gained 1.6% over the past month. It currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Price & Consensus: THC

Universal Health Services: Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, the company operates acute care hospitals, outpatient centers and one of the nation's largest behavioral health networks. Its services span internal medicine, autism care, addiction treatment and military-related healthcare. Growth is being driven by tuck-in acquisitions, rising patient days and admissions, facility expansion and partnerships that strengthen its behavioral health presence. UHS also maintains a shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy, with regular buybacks and dividends, and had $1.298 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization as of March 31, 2026.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Universal Health’s 2026 and 2027 bottom line is pegged at $23.47 and $25.40 per share, up 8% and 8.2% year over year, respectively. It beat earnings estimates in three of the past four quarters and missed once, with an average surprise of 9.5%. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 revenues indicates 6.8% and 5.1% year-over-year increases, respectively. While Universal Health shares have declined 6.4% over the past month, improving operations are expected to support a future rebound. It also currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

Price & Consensus: UHS

Acadia Healthcare: Based in Franklin, TN, it operates Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities and Comprehensive Treatment Centers, which remain its core growth engines. Rising patient days, revenues per patient day, higher admissions and strong demand for mental health and substance use treatment continue to support steady long-term growth. ACHC’s solid cash generation ability and meaningful real estate assets provide financial flexibility and downside support. Following operational challenges over the past year, management's strategic initiatives are expected to improve execution and support earnings recovery.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Acadia Healthcare’s 2026 bottom line is pegged at $1.50 per share. The same for 2027 indicates a 14.8% year-over-year jump to $1.72 per share. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 47.5%. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 revenues indicates 2.6% and 5.7% year-over-year growth, respectively. ACHC shares have gained 8.9% over the past month. It currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

Price & Consensus: ACHC

Community Health Systems: Headquartered in Franklin, TN, it operates a network of acute care hospitals and outpatient centers. The company is benefiting from lower expenses, higher-acuity procedures, improving commercial payer mixand resilient same-store revenues. Management is also focusing on operational efficiency and selective partnerships to support growth. In parallel, CYH continues to divest non-core assets to sharpen its portfolio, reduce debt burden and improve long-term profitability, even though these moves could pressure results in the near term.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Community Health Systems’ 2026 bottom line is pegged at a loss of 58 cents per share. The same for 2027 implies a 71.3% year-over-year improvement. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 revenues is pegged at $11.56 billion and $11.67 billion, respectively. Shares of Community Health Systems have jumped 15.9% in the past month. It currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

Price & Consensus: CYH